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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.